SYSTEMS Technology Institute Inc. (STI), the nation’s largest network of colleges in the country, is eyeing a dual listing of shares here and in Singapore when it goes public in the second quarter of 2008.

In an interview late Monday, executive committee chairman Eusebio Tanco said the company would like to raise P1.5 billion from the sale of primary shares to both domestic and foreign investors. ATR Kim Eng Capital is financial advisor for the offering.

“We are looking at dual listing first here in the Philippines and then next in Singapore,” Tanco said.

When asked why Singapore, he explained that “…the price to earnings ratio is bigger there.”

In dual listing a company’s securities are listed on more than one exchange for the purpose of adding liquidity to the shares and giving investors greater choice in where they can trade their shares.

Tanco said the IPO proceeds will be used to bankroll a P1.5- billion expansion program, which includes a P250-million academic center in the posh Bonifacio Global City in Taguig; the ongoing expansion of campuses through acquisition of properties in various areas all over the country; and acquisition of hospitals.

Systems Technology, also known as STI, has a current market capitalization of P5 billion.

In more than 20 years of experience in education centered on information, communications and technology, STI has developed a comprehensive portfolio of bachelor courses, diploma, and certificate programs in the field of information and communications technology, health care, business, education and engineering.

At present, it has over 100 campuses strategically located across the Philippines and a branch in Hong Kong.

Earlier, STI and ePLDT, through Ventus Contact Centers, signed a memorandum of agreement to help address the fast growing manpower requirement of the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, ePLDT will provide a customer service representative training program, which will be embedded as an elective in the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, or BS IT, curriculum of STI.

This special elective course focuses on Call Center Fundamentals, with special focus on English proficiency. The program runs for two semesters and will include a training program for teachers, which will ensure that STI graduates get the skills that meet the global standards of the BPO industries.

SYSTEMS Technology Institute Inc. (STI), the nation’s largest network of colleges in the country, is eyeing a dual listing of shares here and in Singapore when it goes public in the second quarter of 2008.

Manila Water gets foreign projects

MANILA Water Co. Inc. is now doing feasibility studies on water projects in Hong Kong and Vietnam.

COMPLIANCE to regulations is a big issue when it comes to conducting business, especially in the more developed parts of the world. The Philippines, according to IBM regional executives, should not be an exemption.

CATALOG Online (COL), the government’s virtual showroom for Filipino small and medium enterprises, has generated 456 local and foreign buyers in the first half of the year, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem) reported.

PHILIPPINE stocks fell Tuesday, snapping a three-day rally as crude oil stall near a four-week high, raising concern costs will rise, slowing consumer spending and corporate earnings.